IIE-SRF held a conference and training workshop on expanding academic partnerships between the United States and Iraq from June 27-29, 2012 in Erbil, Iraq. Approximately 165 individuals participated in the conference, including representatives from Iraqi universities, SRF visiting scholars, Iraqi government officials, and U.S. Embassy officials. The purpose of this symposium was to provide an overview of current dynamism and broadened scope of international academic partnerships; to provide an overview of models and strategies for initiating, managing and sustaining a range of international partnerships; to suggest tools and resources suitable to the Iraqi higher education sector’s capacity development efforts; and to focus on best practices in developing or expanding mutually beneficial linkages between U.S. and Iraq higher education institutions. Conference sessions featured U.S. university experts in developing international partnerships, particularly with Iraq. Iraqi university leaders and scholars also presented on key trends in their country and on the challenges and opportunities in Iraq.
Pictured below: Dr. Said Hussein Ali Al-Thalab, Vice President of Scientific Affairs, Tikrit University, presents the seal of the University to Dr. Allan Goodman, President and CEO, IIE
